HP 3000 Manuals

COMMUNICATOR 3000 XL, XL Release 1.1 (Core Software Release A.10.00)

HP Visor/XL is Available 

by Doug Griffin, Information Technology Group 

HP Visor/XL (Visor) is a new tool that allows technical and non-technical
HP SQL/V users to perform ad-hoc inquiries and create reports.  Visor
also allows technical users to modify data through the SQL database
management language.

HP VISOR/XL PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: 

HP Visor/XL consists of two Access modules (EZAccess and SQLAccess) to
perform database queries, a report module (EZReport) to create reports,
and a command set (Visor Commands).  The modules are integrated under a
common interface to form a query/report management facility.  Figure 3-1
illustrates the concept of Visor Commands providing an environment to
manage queries and reports.  Visor Commands are always available through
softkeys and a command window at the bottom of each screen.

Encompassed by the Visor commands are the two access modules (EZAccess
and SQLAccess) and a report writer (EZReport).  EZAccess uses a
"fill-in-the-box" method to define what data to select, whereas SQLAccess
uses SQL commands to define what data to select.  After data has been
selected, EZReport automatically appears with a report.  Both technical
and non-technical users are invited to modify a report layout, then press
a display report softkey to view the modified report.


          Figure 3-1.  Visor Product Structure 

When creating queries and reports using Visor, users will notice some of
these features of Visor:

 *  Non-technical, technical and batch user interfaces can be selected.
    Visor provides hand-holding for non-technical users, a quick
    command-driven interface for technical users, and a batch interface
    that can produce a report without requiring answers to numerous
    prompts.

 *  Designed for maximum use of HP SQL's Relational Database feature set.
    Visor allows users to perform all SQL commands including database
    creation commands, transaction management commands, and complex query
    commands.

EZAccess:  Simplified Access for the Non-Technical User. 

With EZAccess a non-technical user is escorted through a series of
questions with the "NEXT STEP" softkey.  The user is prompted for the
DBEnvironment and task to be performed.  If a user chooses to create or
edit a report, they move into the EZAccess module.

The "NEXT STEP" softkey will lead a non-technical user through EZAccess
screens for table selection, column selection, row selection, and
ordering of data.  After providing this information the non-technical
user is transferred to EZReport where the results of the query are
displayed and the layout of the resulting report can be modified.

As a non-technical user becomes more proficient, the user may detour from
the normal succession of screens.  Softkeys are provided to summon
additional screens to define new columns (an expression or calculation of
other columns), to define aggregate functions (like return the average of
several rows), and to change the default Join Columns for multi-table
queries.

EZAccess is characterized by these features:

 *  Non-technical users can retrieve data with virtually no experience
    and very little knowledge of the database structure.

 *  As non-technical users become proficient, many advanced features are
    available through optional softkeys.

 *  When data has been selected, a non-technical user is placed directly
    into EZReport where the result of the query can be reformatted.

SQLAccess:  More Power for the Technical User. 

SQLAccess is available to technical users who need to perform advanced
functions which are beyond the realm of EZAccess.  These features are
available through the industry standard SQL command language.

SQLAccess allows complex boolean logic operations in SELECT commands,
database definition, update of data, and deletion of data.  To perform
these tasks, a separate access module is provided for technical users.
SQLAccess is designed as a command-driven interface because technical
users prefer a command-driven interface for complex operations.

SQLAccess also allows run time input to pre-defined reports.  For
example, if a report needs to produce a list of orders for a given date,
the date can be passed to SQLAccess interactively or through the MPE XL
:RUN command.

Listed below are some reasons why a technical user would use SQLAccess:

 *  SQLAccess can create or modify the DBEnvironment using SQL commands
    entered through a block mode display.

 *  SQLAccess can be used to update and delete data.

 *  EZAccess queries may be modified by SQLAccess to perform complex
    boolean logic.

EZReport:  Quick Reports for the Non-Technical and Technical Users. 

After selecting data using EZAccess or SQLAccess, a report displays the
results of the query.  If the user does not like the layout of report,
the layout is simple to change.

When a report is displayed, there are softkeys to edit the layout (format
and spacing which the data is displayed) edit the text (titles and
footings), and edit the stats (control break statistics).  Each softkey
will summon a screen with the default report specifications.  To change
spacing, field width, column names, and other attributes, the user tabs
the cursor to the proper layout attribute, changes the value, then
presses the display report function key to display the new report.

EZReport supports advanced features that other ad-hoc report writers may
not support.  For example, Figure 3-2 (EZReport Sample Report) uses a
group print on the part number, and aggregate functions to show the
highest and lowest price for a given part.  EZReport also supports
calculated columns (from EZAccess and SQLAccess), current date and time,
and left and right scrolling of the report on terminal display.


          Figure 3-2.  EZReport Sample Report 

Here are some of EZReport's key features:

 *  EZReport is simple enough for non-technical users, yet includes
    powerful features like group breaks, and summary prints.

 *  A report in the default format is usually available in seconds.
    Complex reports may be produced in less than 10 minutes.

 *  There are no commands to memorize.

HP Visor/XL Commands. 

Visor commands are available through softkeys and the command window on
almost every screen.  The Visor commands are used to manage reports,
manage queries, and change the operating environment.

Visor commands manage reports and queries by allowing reports to be
catalogued, edited, and executed.  Frequently used commands are placed on
softkeys to assist non-technical users in managing their reports, and the
context sensitive HELP softkey is always available as [[f7]] (function
key number 7).

Visor's EDIT PROFILE command allows changing of the page width and
length, toggles a user from EZAccess to SQLAccess, allows redirection of
the listing to various print devices, allows changing of decimal points
to a comma or French format, and allows user's to specify the display
format of null (missing) data.

Key features of Visor Commands:

 *  Allows easy management of queries, easy management of reports, and
    customization of the user interface.

 *  Frequently used commands are placed on softkeys to help non-technical
    users perform Visor commands.

 *  Command completion screens allow new technical users to issue a
    command and have a fill-in-the-box screen prompt the user for the
    rest of the command.

 *  Several Visor commands can be placed into a script.  The Visor
    commands can then be executed in either interactive or batch mode.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: 

More information about Visor is available from the following sources:

     Source                               Part Number
     ------                               -----------
     HP Visor/XL Product                  32426
     HP Visor Tutorial                    32425-60001

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